This is a follow-up to a previous round of public outreach that happened a few years ago to develop Streets for Cycling 2020, a plan for a citywide network of bike routes. The focus for these 2 meetings is safe access to Pullman and the area around Big Marsh. The National Monument designation of Pullman and improvement of Big Marsh, combined with lobbying for more equitable distribution of bike routes in underserved communities got to where we are now.

One of the important pieces of safe access to both Pullman and Big Marsh is getting a safer way for folks using the red line to get from 95th St. station to southbound bike routes. Many people are likely to be using the red line to reach Big Marsh.

We also need to improve safety along the section of Stony Island adjacent to Big Marsh, as well as 103rd St. (eastbound and westbound) and 122nd-Torrence to reach the path along 126th for southeast access.

Please share this info with anyone you know who is interested in safer bike access to these areas, and encourage them to share it.

FYI - CDOT tends to do these sessions primarily in an open house format, where maps are available to view, CDOT folks are available to talk with, and there are comment sheets for input. My understanding is that part of each meeting will be in a presentation format.

Important Update:We have made the decision to cancel the bike ride and stewardship portions of the event tomorrow due to a windchill advisory until 12pm tomorrow and dangerously frigid, cold temperatures throughout the day. Our first priority is keeping our extended community safe and our second priority is providing an enjoyable experience. We are confident we are all better served by rescheduling both the ride and the stewardship activity.

PLEASE NOTE: We are still hosting the event tomorrow, with a Meet & Greet at 9am and the Program at 10am at the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. We will drive together in a caravan over to Big Marsh for a brief visit to the park at 11am. Then, REI will provide lunch back at the Museum. While there, we will also enjoy a lively discussion about Slow Roll Chicago's homage to Dr. King through our work to achieve mobility as a civil right, advance a policy priority around bike equity, and utilize bicycles as vehicles for social justice in Chicago.

Special Note: We are in for a cold day on Monday morning for this ride. Riders are strongly advised to dress warmly by wearing multiple layers. We recommend wearing warm head, face, & neck coverings, warm outer gloves with a second pair of liner gloves, double up on warm socks and wear long johns or tights. Warm boots are highly suggested. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Click on the link below for REI's expert advice for how to stay warm in the winter. This ride may be curtailed or canceled in the event weather or road conditions will cause the ride to be unsafe. In the event the bike ride is canceled, we will still host our program at 10am to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. In addition, we may still visit Big Marsh by driving to the park. For detailed updates over the weekend, we will post here on social media and on our website linked below.